Children

Club Immanuel
Wednesday Evenings -- September through April 
     
     6:15 - 7:30  Club Immanuel Ministry

The Club ministry at Immanuel provides a wonderful mid-week experience of fellowship and Christian education for children ages three through the fifth grade.  Incorporating singing, video, storytelling, drama, crafts, Bible study and prayer, the children are always wondering what is coming next.  In addition, there are special programs scheduled throughout the year including a Christmas Celebration, Winter Carnival and Spring Festival.  At Club Immanuel, children learn how to live their faith in daily life settings. 

 

Children and Worship

Sunday Mornings:   Weekly at both Worship Services (except in Summer months)

Immanuel Church has moved beyond the traditional "junior church" to offer children the nationally recognized Young Children and Worship Ministry.  Children from three years of age through the second grade are invited to the Worship Center located in the Family Life Center.  Early in our morning worship service, the children are dismissed to the side of the sanctuary where the Children and Worship greeters lead them to the Worship Center.

Children and Worship is founded in the Montessori educational approach which encourages first-hand experiences.  Biblical narratives (Noah, Abram, Moses, etc.), Parables (the Good Shepherd, the Good Samaritan, etc.) and liturgical stories emphasizing the church year are told in a manner that allows children to be drawn into the stories.  A worship leader facilitates the stories by using wooden figures, fabric, a desert box, candles and other worship materials.  As the leader shares the "wonderful Word of God," it is as though the entire congregation of children is brought into a "holy realm."  This introduction of God through the stories has proven to make a significant difference in the lives of the children as they enter the "adult" sanctuary.  They grow into the experience with a deeper understanding of the heart.

Storytelling is but one part of the Children and Worship experience.  The traditional flow of worship, including Approaching God, Hearing His Word, and Responding to His Word is followed.  Children experience this flow of worship through songs, prayers, scripture readings, a community feast (snack), a personal response time, and a blessing given by the leader.  Response time is especially valuable to the children as they decide in what activity they wish to participate.  They may choose to tell one of the stories that "lives" on the shelves.  They may choose to make a puzzle or read a story that relates to one of the other stories told in our Worship Center or, a child may choose to design their own art work as a gift to God.  Response time is the child's time to participate in their own unique way and to express their individuality to the Lord.

We invite parents to visit a Children and Worship session and experience for themselves what a marvelous ministry this is for our children.  Contact Sally Folkringa for information.

Sunday School

 Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45, September through April

Our dedicated teachers welcome the children to experience God's Word through experiential curriculum "...Walk With Me."  This curriculum allows the children to enter each story through sensory participation such as cooking, crafts, drama, music, games or storytelling.  The curriculum follows a two-year rotation that schedules stories so that all classes are addressing similar stories at age-appropriate discussion levels.  Classes are offered for children ages 3 & 4; Kindergarten & 1st grade; 2nd & 3rd grades; 4th & 5th grades; Junior High (6th-8th grades); and Senior High (9th-12th grades).

                                            

Kids' Praise Team

Wednesday 7:30-8:00, September through April

Our Kids’ Praise Team is open to children ages 6-12.  This group sings once a month in both our 8:30 and 11:00 services during the school year.  Rehearsals are held after our Wednesday night Club Program.  Those who would like to get their children involved in the Kids’ Praise Team may contact either of the group’s directors, Kelly Johnson or Abbie Matthews (abbie@icrclansing.org).  Members of the Kids' Praise Team, as well as other children who are interested, will also be invited to participate in Spring or Christmas musicals during the year. 
 

 

 

Nursery

 

Professional nursery care is provided during both Sunday morning worship sevices and the Wednesday night programs for infants through age 2.  Children age 3 and above are invited to participate in their age appropriate programs.  Contact Lisa Ernst for information.